Although Moringa oleifera may be one of the lesser-known botanicals, it is a powerfully effective option for both men and women. In fact, it has provided so many incredible benefits over the centuries that it has sometimes been called the miracle tree. Whether you choose to use it for its anti-fungal and anti-viral properties or to decrease inflammation in your body and improve your mood, you will want to know the best way to take it and will want to rest assured that you have purchased a high-quality product.
The Many Forms of Moringa
Moringa, which is native to India but also grows well in Africa and South America, is sold today in a wide variety of forms to meet your nutritional needs and health goals. Traditionally, Moringa was made into a tea to provide a wide variety of benefits, such as increased energy, clearer skin and decreased stress. In fact, it was frequently used by warriors prior to battle to decrease the pain and stress intrinsic to warfare. Today, tea is still a great way to reap the benefits of this powerful botanical. Another similar option is Moringa juice.
However, you may find another form to be far easier for you to fit into your lifestyle. Capsules are easy to take daily, and you do not have to worry about mixing anything into your foods or drinks. Moringa capsules are usually made either with crushed leaf powder or with the leaf extract, which may be more readily absorbed in your digestive tract.
Moringa oil is less frequently used as a cooking oil and essential oil because it can be difficult to find. The oil is derived from the seeds of the Moringa tree and is full of monounsaturated fats that can help lower your LDL cholesterol.
However, the most popular form of Moringa is powder because it is an incredibly versatile option. You can add it to all sorts of food and drink items that you probably already consume, such as your morning shake or the yogurt you regularly eat for a snack. Powder is typically made from the leaves and seeds of the Moringa tree.
How Often and How Much Moringa Should You Take?
Moringa can be taken daily for the most benefits. If you are just starting out on it, you may want to take only half a teaspoon for the first few days until you determine how well your body reacts to it. You may find that you have a bit of flatulence or other mild stomach issues that should decrease over time because this botanical is a mild laxative. After this initial period, you will probably be able to increase to at least 1 teaspoon and up to 1 tablespoon daily.
As you can tell from the wide variety of Moringa forms, there are numerous ways to use this botanical. You can take it daily in capsule form, or mix a relaxing tea to sip before bed. If you choose Moringa powder, simply mix it into your morning drink, yogurt or smoothie or sprinkle it over your evening soup or salad. You will want to avoid cooking it as excessive heat can destroy this botanical’s health properties. Simply think of it as a green superfood, and stir it into sauces and drinks. However, because it does not dissolve in water, you will want to keep stirring your drink as you consume it to keep the Moringa from settling.
General recommendations for Moringa dosages range from 2 to 6 grams with additional recommendations to begin at a lower dose and work your way up until you notice an ideal range of benefits. Research of powdered Moringa leaf has shown that even higher doses than this have not been seen to cause adverse effects even when taken daily.
Where and How to Buy Moringa
As with many botanicals, Moringa can be purchased from a wide variety of sellers, some of whom may not be altogether trustworthy. Therefore, it is vital that you purchase Moringa only from a trusted supplier who puts a priority on using only sustainably harvested Moringa picked at peak maturity and gently dried at low temperatures to preserve key nutrients. Sun-drying is far better than freeze-drying or heat-drying. The color of the Moringa powder should be bright green, showing that it has not been damaged during the drying process.
You will also want to check the ingredient label. There should be no additives in your product. The only ingredient that should be listed is Moringa oleifera.
Finally, look for a seller who provides third-party testing of the Moringa product. These independent laboratories ensure that nothing has been added to the product, and that the Moringa is fresh and of the highest quality.
Moringa Powder Recipes
Do take note that the Moringa Powder does not dissolve as easily as common food grade powders, but mix it well in to get the full benefits that this superfood has to offer!
Moringa over Salads
Using it fresh, sprinkle your Moringa powder over your salads and dressing for a healthier and fuller meal.
Tea with Moringa
Take your usual tea and add in some Moringa powder. Make sure you DO NOT BOIL the Moringa powder and just use the hot tea that you have already served.
Moringa Cookies
- 2 3/4 all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Zen Principle® Moringa Powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, moringa, baking powder, and chocolate chips. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll a rounded teaspoonful of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.
Moringa-Powered Green Drink Recipe
- 1-2 teaspoons of Zen Principle® Moringa powder
- 1 tomato
- 1 carrot
- 1 apple
- 1 cucumber
- A handful of spinach
- A dash of cinnamon
Directions:
Blend all ingredients except the Moringa powder. Mix in Moringa, add ice and enjoy!
Spinach & Moringa Soup
- 1 teaspoon Zen Principle® Moringa powder
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 1 clove of garlic, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1cm cubes
- 1.25 liters vegetable stock
- 300g baby spinach
- generous grating of nutmeg
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tbsp coconut cream
Directions:
- In a large saucepan, sauté the onions in coconut oil over medium heat for approx. 5 minutes or until soft but not browned.
- Add the garlic and potatoes and continue to cook, stirring, for a further 2 minutes.
- Add the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and leave to simmer for approx. 10 minutes.
- Add the spinach leaves, and simmer for a further 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and leave to cool a little before stirring in the moringa, nutmeg and salt and pepper.
- Purée the soup in a blender until very smooth.
- Serve with a swirl of coconut cream and a little extra nutmeg.
Enjoy!
Whether you choose the easy-to-use Moringa powder or another form of this botanical, you will enjoy reaping the health benefits of this time-tested plant that has been used for hundreds of years in India and elsewhere throughout the world. It is simple to add into your meals as long as you remember to start with a lower dose to ease your body into your new healthy habit.
